No winter break for Chicago bike-sharing program

Chicago's bike-sharing program will remain open for business during the winter months.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Tuesday the blue Divvy bikes will be available at 300 stations, though the fleet will be reduced because the city expects fewer riders.

In a statement, Emanuel says Chicagoans “can bundle up and keep warm by pedaling to their destinations.”

The citywide bike share system was launched in June. City officials say that since then, Chicago residents and visitors have taken more than 600,000 trips on the bicycles and have collectively ridden more than 1.5 million miles.

The system may be closed if winter weather gets extreme. Meanwhile, city officials say cold-weather riders should wear extra layers and make sure ears and hands are covered.